Annotated Bibliography

Smithrim, Katharine, Upitis Rena (2005). Learning Through the Arts: Lessons of Engagement. Canadian Journal of Education, 28, 109-127.

This article examines the effects on student achievement with an art education approach. The study samples over 6000 students and also gives us information from parents and faculty. The data was collected over a period of three years through involvement in Learning through the Arts. The study found no immediate differences in achievement however at the end of the study the students who participated scored significantly higher on computation tests then students in the control schools. The conclusion to the article deals with the results that took place and also gives an explanation to why researches believe that this experiment was successful. It then goes on to give suggestions for extending the research that has been presented.

In reading this article I was able to gather significant details that I will be able to apply to my inquiry project. This article puts in perspective not only a well organized research project that was used to gather the data, but also states that there is a positive relationship between the arts and the effect they have on learning. This information will be help with my inquiry project where I will be examining the relationship between arts and academic achievement. As a future art teacher articles that will help to show a positive relationship will be useful.